Nasal septum defects are a common pathology in children and adults, requiring radical (surgical) treatment. This pathology is not life-threatening, but it is a pronounced cosmetic defect. The correction of the nasal septum (septoplasty) is carried out according to strict indications.
Varieties and causes of septum defects.
There are the following types of defects:
- Curvature. A condition in which the nasal septum deviates from a straight axis. This pathology is a common cause of chronic rhinitis, shortness of breath, sinusitis, and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). The curvature is physiological (congenital), traumatic and compensatory (in the context of polyps), S-shaped, horizontal, C-shaped, vertical, in the front or back.
- Drilling. With this pathology, a through hole is formed in the cartilage tissue. The pathology occurs as a result of the rupture of the pericartilage tissue and the detachment of the submucosa.
- Sinking of the backrest. It occurs against the background of trauma and abscess. It is characterized by flattening of bone tissue and shortening of the back.
The most common causes of a deviated nasal septum are:
- Injuries (bruises, falls). The risk group includes men and boys. Athletes (boxers, karate fighters, wrestlers, mixed martial arts fighters) are more susceptible to injury. The defect develops with a strong impact, against the background of which the osteochondral plate is displaced. Often the deformity occurs when adherence is poor after a fracture.
- Abnormal growth of the skull bones. The large size of the nasal cavity promotes flexion of the septum. This is a compensatory response.
- Rare abnormalities (strong development of the rudiment of Jacobson). It limits the space for growth and development of the septum.
- Chronic unilateral rhinitis. A stuffy nose on one side can cause a curvature.
- Tumors
- Abscesses
- Hypertrophy (proliferation) of the nasal sinuses.
- Complicated inheritance (curvature of the nose in parents).
- Polyps.
External manifestations and internal symptoms.
If a person has a curved nasal septum, then the following symptoms are possible:
- Violation of breathing through the nose. It can be light and heavy to the point that a person only breathes through the mouth. The absence of this symptom does not exclude the presence of a defect.
- Chronic rhinitis occurs as a result of poor ventilation and the multiplication of microbes.
- Frequent allergic reactions
- Congestion.
- Swelling of the mucosa.
- Headache. It occurs against the background of congestion, complications in the form of sinusitis (sinusitis), increased pressure on the mucous membrane and irritation of receptors.
- Frequent episodes of ARVI. Manifested by coughing, sneezing, fever.
- Dry mucous membranes.
- Nosebleeds
- Sleep apnea. Bouts of respiratory arrest during sleep.
- Snore.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Asthenic manifestations in the form of decreased performance, lethargy, weakness. The reason is oxygen deficiency.
- Change in the shape of the nose (deviation, depression of the back).
- Impaired attention and memory.
Less frequently, symptoms such as cough, perspiration, decreased sense of smell, tinnitus, dryness, nose, changes in facial expressions (open mouth, change in bite) are observed.
Diagnosis of the severity of the defect.
The following studies allow you to identify the defect and its severity:
- Computed tomography (detects spines, ridges and associated diseases).
- Magnetic resonance. It is done if a neoplasm is suspected.
- Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal cavity).
- EndoscopyA tube with a chamber is used.
- Rhinometry (change in air flows and degree of congestion alteration).
- Visual inspection.
In addition, analyzes (allergy tests, bacteriological examination of smears, clinical blood tests) and a survey are carried out.
Treatment methods
Removal of the defect is only possible by surgery. The operation is called rhinoplasty. Conservative therapy is ineffective.
Which doctors to contact
If you have symptoms of a septal defect, you should visit an otolaryngologist (otolaryngologist). You may also need to see a surgeon.
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment aims to eliminate edema and symptoms (runny nose, congestion). Saline solutions, vasoconstrictor sprays, and drops can be used. Laser therapy is often done.
Surgical intervention (septoplasty)
Septoplasty is a surgical correction of the nasal septum. Most of the time it is done endoscopically without incisions using a monitor and camera. Its benefits include:
- quick rehabilitation;
- efficiency;
- simplicity;
- minimal blood loss and trauma;
- the presence of an antiseptic effect (when using a laser).
Less commonly, the resection or septochondroprotection method is used. Before performing the septoplasty, the degree of nasal breathing difficulty and the age of the patient are taken into account.
Indications for surgery
The indications for nose surgery are:
- labored breathing;
- the presence of chronic rhinitis;
- ear infection;
- severe headaches;
- pronounced cosmetic defect;
- sinusitis;
- pronounced snoring;
- regular nosebleeds.
Contraindications to the operation.
Surgical correction of the nasal septum is contraindicated:
- Elderly patients,
- with hemophilia (blood clotting disorder),
- severe heart disease,
- mental disorders
- diabetes,
- Cancer,
- severe forms of infection,
- arterial hypertension,
- during the flowering period of plants (with allergies),
- During pregnancy,
- breastfeed the baby.
Preparing for septoplasty
The straightening of the nose is carried out after tests (for HIV, syphilis, coagulograms), consultation of specialists (therapist, otolaryngologist, anesthesiologist), premedication and anesthesia.
On the eve it is recommended not to eat after 6 in the afternoon and to clean the intestines.
It is important to disinfect the oral cavity (to cure all diseases, including sore throat, rhinitis and pharyngitis).
For women, it is recommended to restore the correct shape of the nose 2 weeks after menstruation.
Postoperative characteristics.
After the operation to correct the nasal septum, it is required:
- wear cotton swabs on the nose for 1-2 days;
- take antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
- observed by a doctor (a specialist should rinse the nose, clean it of crusts and blood).
Prohibitions during the rehabilitation period.
After rhinoplasty, it is recommended:
- avoid high loads;
- refusing to visit baths and saunas;
- don't pick your nose;
- do not cool too much;
- exclude pressure and temperature drops (refuse flights, climb, swim).
The effectiveness of the surgical intervention.
Photos of people before and after surgery differ dramatically.
Removal of the defect removes the cosmetic defect and all symptoms, making it easier to breathe.
The efficiency reaches 95-100%.
Complications after correction of the nasal septum.
Correction of the nasal septum at the current stage of development of medicine, the operation is simple. But there may still be postoperative complications.
The consequences of the operation can be adhesions, tissue fusion, formation of bruises or abscesses, infection, allergy to anesthesia, damage to the ethmoid plate, decreased sense of smell, perforation, blurred vision and nerve damage.